Marshall William Engell

WORCESTER / BOCA RATON – Marshall William Engell, age 96, died peacefully at the Briarwood Continuing Care Retirement Community on Wednesday, February 11, 2026.

Born in Lynn, MA, he was the son of Harry and Fanny (Kline) Engell, both Russian immigrants. He enjoyed a loving childhood surrounded by extended family, with his mother as the beloved balabusta of the Kline family and their home as the central family gathering point.

After graduating from Lynn Classical High School, Marshall proudly served his country in the U.S. Army National Guard, earning the rank of Master Sergeant in the Motor Pool. He worked for many years in the automotive business, eventually as the Manager of Automotive Distributors. In 1954 he married the love of his life, Sylvia Byer.

Never without a smile, Marshall lit up every room he entered and made friends everywhere he went. He was an avid traveler, a talented bowler and golfer, and a lifelong lover of music, starting as a young boy sneaking out to the RKO Theater in Boston to see the biggest hits of the day. He continued his love of music with Sylvia and friends and would often be found in smaller clubs and larger concert halls from Boston to New York. Listening to records at home he shared his love of musicals and the sounds of big bands with his children, eventually introducing it to his grandchildren as well.

Marshall was also a generous and giving community member. He dedicated countless hours to the Fishing Club of Palm Greens, providing rods and reels to young children in the Delray Beach Area, and the Men’s Club of Temple Anshei Shalom.

He loved to be in the kitchen and around food, always helping. Growing up at home, Sunday mornings were cherished with him making breakfast “daddy-specials”, grilling for big family gatherings in the back yard, and hosting wonderful parties with Sylvia for their many friends. At Temple Ner Tamid in Peabody, MA he was a fixture at Men’s Club breakfasts, USY Shabbatons and decades later, cooking for the thousands of athletes at the Macabee Games in Springfield, MA. He was awarded ‘Man of the Year’ for all the hours he volunteered in the kitchen and cafeteria at Delray Beach Medical Center. In a beautiful full circle, Marshall volunteered making meals at the Volen Senior Center, a wonderful community where he ultimately received care later in life.

Above all, Marshall was committed to providing for and loving his family. He will be lovingly missed and remembered by his beloved wife of 71 years, Sylvia (Byer) Engell of Boca Raton; his devoted children, Dianne Engell and her husband, Richard Popper of Dallas, TX; and Robert Engell and his wife, Karen of Sturbridge, MA; and his cherished grandchildren, Nathan Popper of Atlanta, GA, Rebecca and Scott Kasper of Charlotte, NC, David Engell and his wife, Kathryn Cooper of Bedford, NY, and Sarah Engell and her husband, Alston Brown of Brooklyn, NY; and his great-grandson, Elijah Kasper. He was predeceased by his sisters, Esther, Edith and his twin, Selma.

Family gathered for a Private Graveside Service at Sharon Memorial Park. Arrangements are in the care of Miles Funeral Home of Holden. In lieu of flowers, Memorial Donations may be made to the Volen Senior Center, 850 North Congress Avenue, Delray Beach, FL 33445.